It may be the end of an era for the MetroCard, but for hundreds of MTA riders, it’ll be the start of some free rides!
December 31st marks the final day that Metrocards will be available for purchase or refill. While New Yorkers are making their final swipes in the meantime, the MTA is encouraging a smooth transition by allowing customers to transfer existing MetroCard balances to the new OMNY system, and the process involves a can’t-miss giveaway.
The MTA announced that beginning at 8 am on Tuesday, November 18th, the first 400 riders who transfer their balances at customer service centers will receive a FREE OMNY card.
This means the standard $5 card fee and the $1 fare minimum are waived. The remaining MetroCard balance will be transferred to the new OMNY card immediately, and the giveaway is available at all 16 centers across the transit system.
📍 OMNY Card Giveaway Locations
The fee-waived OMNY cards are available at all 16 current MTA Customer Service Centers listed below.
- The Bronx: 161 St-Yankee Stadium, Fordham Rd and Parkchester
- Brooklyn: Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr, Coney Island-Stillwell Av and Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs
- Manhattan: 34 St-Penn Station, 125 St, 168 St, Fulton St, Grand Central-42 St and Times Sq-42 St
- Queens: Flushing-Main St, Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av and Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport
- Staten Island: St. George
🚆 OMNY tips and guides
If you’re in need of some OMNY guidance, good news! We have you covered.
- How can I transfer my MetroCard balance to OMNY?
- How can I get a FREE student OMNY card?
- How can I get my OMNY card on my phone?
- What can I do if my OMNY card is lost or stolen?
- Am I eligible for a reduced fare OMNY card, and how can I receive one?
Need some more good news about the OMNY transition? This giveaway isn’t the only way to catch a free ride.
With the new tap-and-go system, once customers hit 12 weekly rides on the same payment method, all subsequent subway and local bus rides for the rest of that seven-day period are automatically free.
This eliminates the need to pay for an unlimited pass upfront, ensuring every New Yorker gets the benefit of unlimited travel without breaking the bank.
Additionally, it was announced by the MTA that due to a system update, OMNY cards will not be available for purchase on Thursday, November 20th, from 10 pm EST to 12 am EST (midnight). This will not affect tapping at the turnstile or on buses, or the usage of pre-filled OMNY cards.
There’s no better way to start transitioning from swipes to taps than with some freebies, and this one won’t last! Head to a Customer Service Center and claim your free OMNY card before they’re gone.